Leading Republicans in the New Mexico Legislature are insisting that immigrants who are in the country illegally provide finger prints when applying for a special driver identification card, under amended legislation designed to make state driver's licenses compliant under federal regulations for identification.
Republican House Majority Floor Leader Nate Gentry on Wednesday described as a deal killer a Senate amendment that stripped finger printing provisions from House-approved legislation.
Pressure is mounting in the Legislature to pass a fix that meets federal security requirements under the REAL ID Act.
A Senate committee has passed a measure aimed at making the state compliant. It would allow all New Mexico residents to apply for REAL ID-compliant licenses or obtain a "driver's authorization card."
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